NEWPORT BEACH, California -- Auburn is not going to change what it does on defense, even if Florida State's top receiver has a suggestion or two to offer.

In a BCS Championship Game filled with intriguing match-ups Monday inside the Rose Bowl, the difference in the game could very well be Auburn's defensive backs against Florida State's big and speedy receivers.

"I definitely wouldn't play man," FSU receiver Rashad Greene said last month in Tallahassee. "Guys like myself and Kelvin (Benjamin) and Kenny (Shaw) and the guys we have in the backfield, and the quarterback, if I'm preparing for us, I would definitely use all kinds of blitzes and zones and stuff like that. I wouldn't give the opportunity of one-on-one matchups."

Greene has a point. The Seminoles' core of receivers is electric. Three players have 929 yards or more receiving this season, including Greene's team-leading 981 yards. They're also tall, which poses problems for every defense, especially the Tigers' group in the secondary. Benjamin stands the tallest at 6-5 and it's one of the contributing factors to his team-high 14 touchdowns.

Still, Auburn defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson is not backing down from his plans.

Auburn will mix man and zone coverages, but the game plan likely will not change much from previous weeks. Still, the Tigers are in a bit of a slump on pass defense after allowing 331.7 yards through the air in its last three games in victories against Georgia, Alabama and Missouri.

"LSU had good receivers, Georgia had good receivers, Missouri had bigger receivers than Florida State's got," Johnson said. "We have seen all types and at all times we haven't stopped them but you can't just give up on it."

The Tigers might not only stay in man coverage, they could challenge the Seminoles by standing close to the line and pressing the Seminoles' big receivers.

"I think a lot of people are intimidated by man coverage because early in the game they can't score on (Florida State's defense)," Johnson said. "If we score on them we can be more aggressive."

Johnson has likely devised some new blitzes to pressure quarterback Jameis Winston, whose five-step drops allow his receivers to get deep down the field while also presenting an opportunity to work and move in a deeper pocket if plays break down.

Florida defensive back Loucheiz Purifoy, left, breaks up and intercepts a pass intended for Florida State wide receiver Rashad Greene (80) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Gainesville, Fla., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2013.(AP Photo/John Raoux)

That's proven to be trouble for every defense that has faced Florida State. Even their coach, Lawrence Dawsey, a member of the Seminoles' original "Fab Four" of receivers from the late 1980s (Terry Anthony, Dawsey, Bruce Lasane and Ronald Lewis) marvels at his incredible threesome on the field in 2014.

"I'm going to say these guys are better," Dawsey said. "They've got more speed, they're bigger. ... We didn't come close to what they're doing right now."

So, maybe Auburn should agree with Greene's assessment.

"I would definitely agree," Shaw said. "It would just be too many big plays. I would definitely not play deep."

More zone might prove to be the key to an Auburn victory, but Auburn has proven capable of knocking off teams thanks to its potent rushing offense and key stops in the red zone and fourth quarter.

"Receivers like that, you want to show them you can play them man and press them at any time," said cornerback Jonathon Mincy, who will line up against Krain. "You can bring the game to them, too. You can be physical as well, too."